16/06/2010
Suncream safety questioned
With the summer holidays approaching government warnings to protect skin with sunscreen have been 
questioned by some scientists.
Most sunscreens contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide used to block UV rays, which make the product white. As a result of consumer demand for 'invisible' protection nanotechnology is being used to reduce these substances into ‘nanoparticles’.
Independent health consultant Helen Lynn said: “Substances act differently at these sizes. We are exposed to nanoparticles through inhalation, ingestion and in some cases when the skin is burnt or damaged from acne or eczema they can pass through the skin into the blood stream.
“The particles then have access to all our organs and tissues where they can disrupt normal cell activity, damage brain cells and cause pre-cancerous lesions.”
Lecturer in Natural Sciences at Keele University Dr Chris Exley warns against the use of sunscreens that add aluminium to their ingredients.
He said: “Some UV filters penetrate deeper into the skin than is essential for their function. Since aluminium is a potent pro-oxidant and potentially cancer causing, its additional presence in these skin layers could make any oxidative damage by the UV filters significantly worse.”
He added: “I am asking is it merely a coincidence that the incidence of melanoma (fatal skin cancer) has increased over the last 20 years almost proportionately with the use of sunscreens.”
New EU regulations will require the labelling of some nano materials in sunscreen but currently rule that sunscreens and their ingredients are safe to use. This view is supported by organisations such as The Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association as well as WHO and cancer charities which strongly encourage people to use the protective lotion when exposed to the sun.